Friday, August 12, 2016

Foxp3+ Tregs undergo memory-loss following inflammation

Adaptive immune system is characterized by its ability to recall prior antigen encounter and to mount stronger and swifter response for the second time. This is what typically happens to conventional T cells. But what about regulatory T cells (Tregs)? Do Tregs also display enhanced recall response when encountering [antigen] for the second time?

To test this hypothesis, the authors subjected Tregs to inflammatory environment and tracked their behavior. First, they found that phenotypically Tregs returned to "resting" state within 60 days following activation and resolution of inflammation.